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“Cedric mentioned something about awakening my gifts,” I confess, my mind drifting back to my recent encounter with Cedric.

“He was showing me how to use the mindlink,” I admit. Kyson presses his lips together tightly, refraining from commenting on the matter.

“Here, feel for my aura. Push on it and force it back. If you can do that, you’ll be able to un-command them,” Kyson instructs, his voice gentle yet firm.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You can control it, Azzy. How much force you put behind it is something you can feel. You will know when to stop or if I am resisting it,” Kyson says. I let out a breath because I needed to do this. It was getting annoying.

We practice several times, and eventually, I grasp the technique, successfully lifting the command without succumbing to anger. A surge of giddiness fills me as I realize the progress I’ve made, and Kyson’s arms tighten around my waist as I release Gannon from my command.

“With enough practice, you’ll be able to do it through a mind link without needing to be physically present,” Kyson informs me.

As Kyson and I prepare to leave, a knock echoes through the room. A man hands Kyson a blanket, but he shakes his head, gesturing towards Tyson, who eagerly reaches out for it. I move towards Tyson, pressing a tender kiss on his little head before embracing Abbie. Her embrace is so tight that I worry she might crush me.

“More than my life,” she whispers, her hands cradling my face as she kisses my cheek.

“Always, more than my life,” I respond.

“Come see me tomorrow, or I can come to see you now,” she laughs, and I nod, looking at Kyson, who nodded his head to mebefore talking to Gannon about where Liam and Damian went. When he is done, we say goodbye before walking back toward our quarters. However, we take a shortcut through Kyson’s old quarters, and I notice the door to the room across from his is open.

I catch a glimpse of baby items inside – toys, plushies, and a cot. It resembles a toddler’s room, and a pang of longing washes over me as I imagine what could have been. Kyson growls in anger, searching for the guard responsible, but I quickly move to close the door before his frustration escalates. However, as my trembling hand clutches the door handle, my breath catches in my throat.

Tears well up in my eyes as I gaze through the open door, taking in the sight of the baby’s room. My hand trembles uncontrollably, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. I find myself frozen, lost in a sea of thoughts and regrets. Sensing my distress, Kyson’s hand glides down my arm from behind as he presses his chest against my back.

“I know, Love,” he whispers tenderly into my ear, his voice filled with understanding and empathy.

“We could have had a room for our baby like this,” I murmur, my voice quivering with sorrow. I ponder what our child would have looked like, his or her unique features and personality. A profound sadness envelops me as I take in the toys and plushies that will forever remain untouched.

“And one day we will, I promise. When you’re ready, we can try again,” Kyson vows softly, his grip on mine tightening as he pulls the door shut. My lip quivers, and I turn away from the closed door just as the guard appears, his wide eyes meeting Kyson’s gaze.

“I’m sorry, I forgot,” Kyson dismisses him with a shake of his head, causing the guard to scurry away hastily.

“It’s not his fault,” I interject, sensing Kyson’s lingering anger.

“I’m sorry I made you witness Ester’s lashings,” Kyson apologizes sincerely, lifting his gaze to meet mine.

“Yeah, well, I may have slapped her and kicked her off castle grounds,” I confess with a hint of defiance. Kyson tilts his head, his curiosity piqued. “She said something. It doesn’t matter, but I don’t want her back in the castle,” I assert firmly. Kyson growls softly, his protective instincts flaring.

“I still don’t want her dead, though,” I add, my voice tinged with compassion. Ester may have caused me pain, but I couldn’t bring myself to wish more harm upon her. I couldn’t ignore her suffering, even if her words were hurtful. As long as she stays away, I will find a way to move past it.

“Come on, I should feed you,” Kyson suggests, lifting my hand to his lips. He drapes his arm across my shoulders, pulling me closer to him as we walk side by side.

“So, where did Damian and Liam go?” I ask.

“To a brothel. They’re trying to gather information about the dead children,” Kyson answers, his voice filled with determination. “We found proof Crux was trafficking girls.”

“And what are you going to do about it?” I ask, curious about their plans of action.

“We’ll present the evidence before the council. We’ll teach you how to use your command so that you can order Crux’s removal and ensure he faces punishment if necessary,” Kyson explains confidently.

“Why do I have to do it?” I question, feeling a mix of apprehension and responsibility.

“Because your command is stronger than mine, and because their annual consumption of my blood prevents my command from affecting them,” Kyson reveals. The realization dawns on me that my status as a Landeena and Azure grants me immensepower – power that I’m not sure that I’m ready to wield. The weight and significance of this responsibility make me feel inadequate, unworthy of such authority. I doubt my ability to rule and navigate the complex world of werewolf and Lycan laws and councils.

“But Crux is part Landeena,” Kyson nods.

“Yes, but you’re Landeena and Azure, you are stronger than any King or Queen Azalea, you are an empress of Kings and Queens, and your blood makes you part deity,” Kyson says.